The Illuminate San Francisco Festival of Light: A Very Avant-Garde Christmas

Now that Halloween is a distant memory and the Thanksgiving turkey has had time to digest, it’s officially Christmas season across the US. Airwaves vibrate to the tune of Mariah Carey, Wham!, Bing Crosby, and others as parents drive their little ones to the local mall to share a list with Santa, and suburbs from coast to coast are decked out with dazzling lights. If you’re in the mood for Rudolph, Frosty, and other traditional Christmas icons, you can surely get your fill wherever you wander, but if you want to see some truly cutting-edge holiday light displays, you must experience the Illuminate San Francisco Festival of Light. Featuring over 30 artists and 40 unique installations across 17 neighborhoods, this annual avant-garde exhibition is not to be missed. Enjoy the installations on your schedule, or partake in one of the complimentary guided tours offered each week. For full details on the Illuminate SF Festival of Light, check out their official online site.